Dual Console

[Dippy Dawg]

I am new here and was looking for some advice. I am going to be buying a new boat (first boat) in about a year (after the new house is built for the wife). I would like something that I could go offshore (nearshore?? - less than 15 or so miles out). It would also have to be a family boat, you know skiing, cruising that kind of thing. I will do most of my fishing in the marshes of St. Bernard parish but understand that I will have to compromise not being able to get into the little bitty water. I have decided on dual console in the 21ft range. I would like to solict any comments or experience you may have with these models. I am expecting to pay about $30k.

Clearwater/Cape Craft/Palm Beach/Key Largo 2200DC
Mako 216DC
Polar 2100DC
Sea Hunt 220 Escape
Wellcraft 220 Sportsman
Proline 21DC
Cobia 215DC
KeyWest 2020DC
Hydra Sports 202DC
Scout 205 Dorado
Triton 225DC

Thanks.

[JALICHTY]

Just looking at your list, you will be hard pressed to get any of those boats, new, for $30,000 or so. The Escape 220 with a 225 hp E-Tec cost me a little of $34,000 last June, with a tandemn axle Wesco trailer. I guess if you go down to the "recommended" size motor, 150 hp or so, you might get pretty close to $30,000, especially if you don't get a trailer either. However, I would suspect you will find that the power to performance ratio will be lacking in a boat powered with the 150. If you are seriously considering these dual consoles, you might as well add the SeaSwirl 2101DC to the mix. And, if you really want to see come fairly high prices in comparison to the ones you have listed, look over the Grady White, Boston Whaler, McKeeCraft and Scout dual consoles as well. The prices run all the way from around $30,000, stripped, to over $50,000. Quite a range. Good luck, you will be getting a great number of response over the days.

[HullSlap]

Is your "about $30k" the typical wife safe number that really means anywhere between $30k and $39,999.99?

If so, several of those boats you mention should be within that price range. I recommend the Sea Hunt or Key West.

My "about $20k" Sea Hunt turned into $29k with all the toys. Actually closer to $31k by now.

[A Few Dollars]

What Hullslap said;

Also;
Sea Pro
Robalo

Do a search. Plenty of info here.

[Stretch]

The Robalo DC is $50k+. Might as well buy a Grady.

If your budget is $30K, you need to consider 20 footers and take a look at the Pioneer and the Nautic Star.

[KCook]

The new designs by Polar and Triton appeal the most to me. But I bet you'll find the Triton has a much taller ticket than most of your list.

[tombro]

Just for comparison, see both the Boston Whaler 210 Ventura and the Grady White Tournament 225. I have run my
Whaler out 15 miles off the New Jersey coast, and was very comfortable. They carry a price tag over twice what you are talking about, though.

[coldwater]

I think aquasport has a pretty nice one. I have a Mako 225 DC and its fine. I use it for exactly what you describe. Good luck. You might want to consider a used one 1-3 years old and that 30K will be doable.

[shemstreet]

Just my opnion, but I have been pricing dual consoles for a few years now. You will have to search far and wide to get a new 21' DC at or under $30K, although $34-39K is probably relatively doable.

Having said that, you can fairly easily get a 20' class DC at or under that range with an F150 or Suzuki 150 4-stroke and trailer. These would include the KW 2020DC, the Pioneer 197 Venture (may have to get the 150 Optimax to be under 30K, but the F150 won't be a lot over), the Sea Hunt 20' DC, the Sea Pro 206 DC, and on a good day, the McKee 196 DC.

The extra foot may or may not make a difference, especially if the beam jumps to 8.5', but you will also probably want a 200-225 hp on the 21' boats. For inshore and near shore, the 20' boats are probably fine, especially if you have trim tabs.

The more goodies you add, the higher the price, and some of the goodies can be thousands extra from a dealer (esp. electronics).

[hevysrf]

I own a 1997 Boston Whaler Dauntless20, discontinued model, 22 degree V. Its in between the newer Ventura 18 and 21. Boat is perfect for my use, 175hp 42mph with ski prop.
I have been watching the used DC market very carefully, they seem to be very hard to sell ,several on boat trader similar to mine for 2 years. You may be able to find a bargain it a used one. MartyD

[Dauntless Duck]

I would look for a used BW Dauntless. I picked up my 220 used for 36K. I bet you could find a used 18 ft Dauntless in your price range with a bit of looking.

It has been a great boat for me, my wife and the kids.

[noles94]

let me know if you want to know anything specific about the proline. mine is the 20' that became the 21' in 2005. i got my '03 with a new trailer in july for about 20k.

[kusboat]

I have a 2006 Polar that I have had since December. I love it. Could not beat the price. It is a mid-tier boat and everyone has a opinion. It is Ok in seas three to four feet if you are running. Does almost 45MPH with the yamaha 150 4 stroke with three people on board and half a tank of gas. I purchased mine at Marine Connection in Palm Beach an excellent place to purchase a boat. Great customer service so far.

[halfmoon]

This is mine! around 34k

[karnog]

The Hydra-Sports is a great riding boat in this size with a good hull and reasonably priced. It is what I have and enjoy it. The euro transom might be handy for skiiing and swimming as well. I would recommend getting it powered with 200HP or more. Anything less might feel lacking.

In order to hit your budget you might want to seriously consider going with a newer used. 2003 or 2004. That should allow you to get a decent list of amenities as well as a trailer.

Good luck!

[blavid]

Here's a nice Whaler for sale (Dual console 21 ft)

http://www.boattraderonline.com/cadd...6/82905236.htm

[Joe]

If you could pick up a Grady 205 Tournament, you won't be dispointed. Solid, heavy ride, takes a wave great, Grady quality. Great boat. I loved mine. A used 2004 should be in the upper 30's by now.